The Toolkit for Economic Development is an innovative approach for linking the many federal and state programs that support economic development in distressed communities.

However, the Toolkit’s implementation has been delayed because it does not have an adequate administrative structure. As a result, its future success may be compromised. It is also likely that only a small portion of the initiative’s $25 million appropriation will be expended or obligated before its spending authority expires at the end of Fiscal Year 2000-01.

To increase the likelihood that the Toolkit will realize its potential to improve conditions in distressed communities, a single entity should be given responsibility for overseeing the initiative. The entity should be responsible for developing an implementation plan, monitoring projects, and evaluating the long-term effects of the initiative.

What other OPPAGA-related materials are available?

Report No. 05-32OPPAGA Report: Locals Find State Urban Revitalization Programs Useful; More Centralized Program Information Would Be Helpful, published in May 2005.

Report No. 03-20Progress Report: OPPAGA Recommendation Adopted; Economic Development Toolkit Was Implemented, published in March 2003.